2009 4.7S MC Shift - Skyhook / Sport mode & IPod connectivity

[Ryandoc]

Hi All,

I joined this forum last year as a GranTurismo is my next target. So I've seen one, a 2009 4.7 MC Shift. I've done a lot of research on these cars and know a lot but can someone please confirm / advise on the following:

I know the skyhook system basics but how do I know if the car has it, am I right in thinking there shoudl be a 'sport' button if it does, and if so where is this located on the dash?

For IPod connectivity, would this give full control of ipod throught the display?

The description is as follows:

the following options: Alcantara Headlining in Nero, Safety belts in Nero, Bluetooth/USB/AUX, BOSE Surround Sound System, Comfort Pack Front Seats, Dashboard set in Nero, Alcantara Internal Areas, Auto Dimming Mirrors, Navtrack System, Front & Rear Park Sensors, Aluminium Racing Pedals, 20" Neptune Grigio Alloys, Internal Trim set in Smoked Quartz

Thaks in advance

Ryan

 

[rattie]

If Skyhook is not listed in the the extras I would imagine that it is not fitted! Just ask the dealer if you are spending this amout of money talk to them!

 

[bigbob]

Sport button is rhs of screen and will be present irrespective of suspension options. If there is no skyhook then the suspension will not firm up when you press the button.

Have you driven a GranTurismo yet?

PS ipod control is pants - screen will not fully control - but then it is on my 2014 Land Rover too.

 

[Ryandoc]

Thanks for the replies. Not yet driven one, i'm aware of the difference between auto and MC Shift that people talk about.

Just seen this car pop up and it ticks all the boxes at the moment, minus what looks like it doesnt have skyhook but it's ticking a lot of others. Hard part now is getting to see it as it's not local, don't want to miss out but likewise I want a good viewing and drive before commiting.

Could always put a deposit down but bit more thinking to do just now. It does tick a **** of a lot of boxes though

 

[Ryandoc]

BigBob, sorry forgot to ask how exactly would I know if it has ipod connectivity though, is there a tell tale connection somewhere that isnt in a car without connectivity?

 

[rs48635]

Imagine they all have an ipod connector.
From memory the Granturismo rode better on regular steel springs rather than skyhook.
My own QP does have it, and it stops a bit of body roll at the expense of a more jiggly ride over bumps and ripples. It helps speed up gearchanges though, so is worth it for that.

 

[bigbob]

You still get the faster gear changes in sport even if the car does not have skyhook.

iPod is a connector in the glovebox but it was an extra. Not sure about retro fit - it's useless so I don't use it. Easier to download music to the hard drive via USB.

 

[Felonious Crud]

Hello Ryandoc. Sounds like my car...

I have Skyhook but like rattie said if it's not fitted I guess "yours" doesn't have it. It was about a £1.5k option I think but tends to divide opinion. I get on fine with it but having never driven one without I don't know if I'd prefer a regular setup.

Regarding the iPod connection it really is a heap of ****. I have an old iPod plugged into it but you have to control it from the iPod. It has two leads - one charges the iPod and the aux-out just squirts the audio into the car's hifi. Which means I get my co-pilot to use the iPod or I listen to nothing at all. Generally I'm quite happy with the sound the exhaust makes. I *think* there may be a special lead which Maserati sells for about £150 which lets you control the iPod from the car audio controls. But I may be wrong. For £150 I've never been tempted to find out.

Where are you and where's the car?

 

[bigbob]

I have the factory supplied iPod lead - ****. Only use it for charging my iPhone and then only until I upgrade to the lightening connector models.

 

[dickygrace]

Best option is to fit a top of the range parrot for only slightly more than the cost of Maserati's lead. Then you have full control through the parrot. Or save £200 and get an FM transmitter.

 

[hoyin]

I have the factory supplied iPod lead - ****. Only use it for charging my iPhone and then only until I upgrade to the lightening connector models.

Problem is when you upgrade to a lightening connector model the USB socket won't charge or control your iPhone and you won't get any sound either.

Best not to upgrade!

 

[hoyin]

My car doesn't have skyhook but has the handling pack upgrade as well. I prefer it. But the handling pack makes it even more aggressive - it has the stradale suspension setup.

 

[Felonious Crud]

My car doesn't have skyhook but has the handling pack upgrade as well. I prefer it. But the handling pack makes it even more aggressive - it has the stradale suspension setup.

I seem to remember someone on here who had their GTS upgraded to Strad suspension setup by a MD. He was very pleased with the results, iirc.

 

[bigbob]

So pleased he sold the car ASAP IIRC.

 

[rs48635]

Best option is to fit a top of the range parrot for only slightly more than the cost of Maserati's lead. Then you have full control through the parrot. Or save £200 and get an FM transmitter.

mine has a parrot - very good

 

[CatmanV2]

mine has a parrot - very good

Mine also. I've had them in most of my cars for some time.

C

 

[rs48635]

Don't bother with the ipod thing.
My car has the parrot - very good.

 

[Felonious Crud]

So pleased he sold the car ASAP IIRC.

Hmm. I wondered where he'd gone. An expensive upgrade if you don't even get to use it! Personally I find the suspension pretty good as it is. Suits my driving abilities and requirements well enough. I suppose if I was speccing new I might be tempted, but if I wanted a new GTS then I'd want to be buying a Strad anyway.

 

[Ryandoc]

You still get the faster gear changes in sport even if the car does not have skyhook.

iPod is a connector in the glovebox but it was an extra. Not sure about retro fit - it's useless so I don't use it. Easier to download music to the hard drive via USB.

If you download music do you get all the artist / song details?

 

[Ryandoc]

Hello Ryandoc. Sounds like my car...

I have Skyhook but like rattie said if it's not fitted I guess "yours" doesn't have it. It was about a £1.5k option I think but tends to divide opinion. I get on fine with it but having never driven one without I don't know if I'd prefer a regular setup.

Regarding the iPod connection it really is a heap of ****. I have an old iPod plugged into it but you have to control it from the iPod. It has two leads - one charges the iPod and the aux-out just squirts the audio into the car's hifi. Which means I get my co-pilot to use the iPod or I listen to nothing at all. Generally I'm quite happy with the sound the exhaust makes. I *think* there may be a special lead which Maserati sells for about £150 which lets you control the iPod from the car audio controls. But I may be wrong. For £150 I've never been tempted to find out.

Where are you and where's the car?

Hi Adam, I'm based in the north east.

So things have moved on today and I've placed a deposit to secure the car. I'm heading to view it on Friday. Sad I know but from research, a lot of it on here, id made myself a little wish list on my phone notes. This car has everything I wanted minus the Skyhook. It just jumped out at me.

I currently drive a BMW E92 M3 which I bought new over 5 years ago. Love the car. But I've been obsessed with the GT for a long time now so I'm hoping it stirs my soul.